Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all his friends (and enemies) are the brain-child of J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing them. Exclusive ownership belongs to JKR, Arthur A. Levine Books and Scholastic Inc. Jane Sinclair and all additional characters belong to me. You belong to yourself.


Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried

Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried

And still they lead me back to the long winding road

You left me standing here a long, long time ago

Don't leave me waiting here, lead me to your door

Long and Winding Road, The Beatles

Chapter Two – The Homecoming

where some announcements are made, and Jane is caught up on things…

The sun had already begun to set by the time the train arrived in Hogsmeade. Remus and Tonks helped Jane with her baggage by charming her suitcases, and she followed the hovering bags off the train. Thick wisps of fog slithered along the platform, creeping up the buildings, nipping at unsuspecting legs. Most of the students were huddled together in groups, sticking close together and appearing unnaturally subdued. Aurors were swarming around them like sheepdogs herding their flock.

"First years over 'ere," a deep voice boomed through the mist.

"Hagrid?" Jane could barely make out the giant shape waving a bull's-eye lantern. She sighed with relief. There would be at least one more familiar face to help ease her transition.

Remus grasped Jane's elbow and led her towards one of the waiting carriages, while Tonks followed a group of first years towards the lake. She didn't look very happy.

Jane's anticipation and apprehension grew as they drew closer to the castle. Not for the first time since she'd received McGonagall's letter, did she think of the possibilities and challenges her new life would hold for her. She could only hope that she would live up to everybody's expectations – and to her own. Dumbledore had thought her important. It was because of him and his trust in her abilities – in her – that she had returned. She would have given anything to be able to thank him in person.

As though he sensed her mood, Remus reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Everything will be all right," he murmured.

"I don't believe I was this nervous when I came here as a first year," Jane admitted.

"We all are nervous. This year will be a deciding one in many ways. Your nervousness will get lost in the general tension."

"I sure hope so." Jane sighed. "Especially, since I will be literally a Muggle for a while – at least until I relearn how to use my magic. I feel inexplicably bare." She shuddered and rubbed her arms.

"Don't worry, Jane, you will be well protected until you can do it yourself."

They spent the remainder of the trip to Hogwarts in comfortable silence. Rain began to drizzle lightly, misting over the carriage windows in a thin haze. Soon the castle rose before them. Tall, dark and intimidating, it stood in stark contrast against the setting sun. The tower windows were already lit to ward off the impending darkness. Her breath caught in her throat as Jane beheld the familiar sight. Elation surged through her. Tears of joy filled her eyes and this time she did not suppress them. She was home.

Sitting beside her, Remus watched the play of emotions across her face. He could understand her enthusiasm. As to her other underlying sentiments, he could only guess her feelings. True, her actions thirteen years ago had been unforgivable in the eyes of the Ministry, but he was a good judge of character. The woman beside him had grown both physically and emotionally. He believed her when she said that her past was just that – the past. Jane Sinclair was not a woman to hold a grudge. She had been given a second chance, and she would not dishonor the trust that was placed in her.

---

Jane entered Hogwarts on the arm of Remus Lupin. He led her towards the Great Hall, past the disapproving figure of Argus Filch, who took in her Muggle clothing with obvious disdain. Her step faltered slightly as the doors swung open and animated voices greeted them. She was grateful for Remus' firm grasp on her arm. She didn't know whether she would have had the courage to cross the threshold on her own.

As they walked past the four large house tables, some of the pupils stopped their cheerful chatter to take in her unusual appearance. Jane self-consciously tugged at her gray knit turtleneck sweater, smoothing it over her jeans. She wondered briefly whether she shouldn't have taken the time to change into something more proper. But, she finally conceded, since she no longer owned any appropriate Wizarding wardrobe, she would have looked out of place no matter what she wore. She was aware of the loud whispers behind her back, but she purposefully ignored them. Remus felt her straighten and stiffen slightly. He, too, was aware of the open-mouthed stares she received and the loud whispers she incited. Secretly, he applauded her poise. Jane Sinclair had courage, he mused. She certainly was no victim.

They approached the Head table, over which Minerva McGonagall regally presided in the Headmaster's seat. She was no Albus Dumbledore, but her demeanor was just as authoritative as her predecessor's. Jane recognized several of the other teachers seated on the dais. She felt as though she'd gone back in time, except that this time she would sit with the faculty and not her old House. Hogwarts' teachers were somewhat more subtle than its students when they noticed Jane. Professors Flitwick stopped his conversation to Professor Binns mid-sentence and looked inquiringly at her. Professor Binns took in her casual appearance and shook his head disapprovingly. Jane swallowed and proudly lifted her chin. She would not cower.

Professor McGonagall rose to greet them. As she shook her old Transfiguration teacher's hand, Jane couldn't help but think how old the woman looked. Minerva McGonagall's face was creased, now more than ever, with deep worry lines. Her eyes, however, were as sharp and penetrating as ever.

"My dear Miss Sinclair," she exclaimed with uncharacteristic heartiness. "I cannot say how happy I am to welcome you once more to Hogwarts."

"It's good to be back, Professor," Jane replied honestly, slightly disconcerted by the warm expression in her eyes. "…despite the circumstances."

"Yes…" The warmth fled from McGonagall's gaze and the creases on her forehead deepened. Her lips pressed primly into a thin line. "Well, what's done is done. There's no use crying over spilt milk, I'm afraid…"

She was briefly distracted by Professor Sprout, who was waving excitedly from the entry doors. She gave her a quick nod before turning her attention back to Jane.

"I would like to talk to you later this evening, if you aren't too exhausted from your, er, travels."

Jane nodded noncommittally.

"Very good," McGonagall said. "The password to the Headmaster's office is Haggis."

Jane suppressed a smirk. Dumbledore's passwords had always been fanciful and candy-related. Trust McGonagall to pay homage to her Scottish heritage with such an unimaginative no-nonsense word.

Remus led her to an empty seat at the end of the table and sat down next to her. Their attention was immediately drawn to Professor Sprout who led the group of trembling little first years towards the dais. The Sorting Hat's song this year was especially dark, warning them of a most dreadful end, and the mood after the last child was finally sorted into his house was very subdued. Eerie silence followed, and bodies soon began to shift uncomfortably, until the Headmistress finally cleared her throat. Expectant eyes followed her as she rose.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall announced. "I am happy to see so many of you back this year. Be assured that your decision to do so is highly appreciated. It is proof of your courage and your support of everything that is good and right. I will not pretend that you are safer within these walls than you are outside of Hogwarts…"

At this point she had to raise her hands to command silence, as the wizards and witches seated in the Great Hall began to grumble and whisper. A few first years began to cry.

"Given the attacks last school year," the Headmistress continued, "I cannot guarantee that a repetition of those events will not occur. However," she had to raise her voice again, "I can promise that we have discovered the means by which the Dark Lord's Death Eaters gained entrance to Hogwarts and rectified the situation. The usual anti-intruder jinxes and wards are in place. Furthermore, we have full Ministry support this year, as evidenced by the presence of a number of Aurors, who will see to matters of security and the safety of you all. I assure you we are well prepared to face another attack, should history repeat itself. Now…" She paused briefly to catch her breath. "…that this is settled, help me welcome back Professor Remus Lupin as professor in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

On cue, Remus rose from his seat and bowed slightly to the mixed degrees of enthusiasm erupting from the different house tables before settling down again. The occupants of the Slytheryn table only oozed disdain. Watching them, Jane frowned slightly, wondering what he had done to incur the wrath of an entire house. She realized that the mild-mannered man beside her hadn't been upfront with her. Apparently, there was more to him than met the eye.

"Professor Lupin is not the only new addition to the teaching faculty. After Professor Slughorn's decision not to return as Potions master, we are happy to welcome Professor Basil Nightshade."

A tall gaunt man at the other end of the table rose briefly and bowed stiffly. He looked as disagreeable as Snape had on his best days. He was greeted with modest applause.

"And your new Transfiguration Professor is Miss Araminta Delphi."

A middle-aged handsome witch rose gracefully and nodded towards the house tables.

"Last, but certainly not least, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Miss Jane Sinclair, who will be your new Muggle Studies teacher."

Jane stood and inclined her head in greeting, before quickly taking her seat again. She hated being the center of attention.

"Now…" the Headmistress' voice took on an even more somber note. "…before we celebrate the beginning of a new school year, I need to address a few more issues. We have instituted a new curfew, the details of which can be found on a list posted, together with other rules, in your Common Rooms. Outside his office, Mr. Filch, has additionally posted a list of actions forbidden on Hogwarts grounds. I strongly urge you to familiarize yourselves with these regulations for your own safety."

McGonagall paused again and reached for the glass in front of her. "Will you all please raise your goblets with me?"

The entire hall followed her invitation and stood, goblets raised.

"The untimely demise of our respected Headmaster has left a great void in our midst. I strongly urge you not to despoil his memory with idle gossip and malicious accusations. Albus Dumbledore had a vision and he placed trust where it was due. We must now, more than ever, trust in each other. Only together can we be strong and overcome our common enemies. To Albus Dumbledore, a great man with a great vision. May it be realized, so his death will not have been in vain."

"To Albus Dumbledore," everybody toasted.

"Let the feast begin," McGonagall finally announced after having sipped from her goblet.

Moments later, the tables bent under the mountains of food that suddenly appeared out of thin air, and for a while nobody talked. Jane was starving and dug into her food with relish.

"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" Remus' voice drew her attention.

"Huh, what?" Jane's head jerked up and she blushed guiltily. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"That's alright." Remus grinned. "You must be starving. And the food is very good."

"It is," Jane agreed wholeheartedly while spearing another roast potato.

"I've been looking forward to it myself for some time," he admitted quietly.

She swallowed the potato and laid down her fork before giving him a level stare. "Yes, I think you don't lead as settled a life as you've had me believe."

He laughed at that. "You are quite right, Jane."

"That's why you were so empathetic towards me. Earlier on the train."

Remus cleared his throat, all laughter drained from his eyes. "I think I should better tell you now. And I'd rather you hear it from me than through gossip."

"Go on."

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair before meeting her gaze. "I am a werewolf."

Jane's eyes widened for a moment at his revelation. "Is that all?"

He choked slightly, but quickly caught himself. "I wish more people could be this nonchalant towards me."

"I have seen worse monsters among Muggles, Remus. Besides, you wouldn't be here and Tonks wouldn't love you, if you were a danger to society. I imagine you're taking a Wolfsbane potion to control your, uh, condition?"

"That is correct. You're a Ravenclaw, aren't you?"

His sudden change of subject took her by surprise. "What makes you think that?"

"You've retained much of your magical knowledge without utilizing it. You must be a Ravenclaw."

"Just," she told him succinctly, "because I have a good memory doesn't mean I'm extraordinary intelligent."

"Are you or aren't you?"

Jane snorted. My, the man was relentless. His mild mannerism was truly deceiving. There was mischief in his eyes.

"One day you'll have to tell me your story, Remus. I have a feeling you were a very bad boy in your day."

He chuckled. "That settles it. You are a Ravenclaw."

She examined him through narrowed eyes, seizing him up. She tapped a finger against her lips, thinking quickly.

"And you are a Gryffindor," she finally determined.

Now it was his turn to study her. "You are better than any Divination master I have ever met."

This made Jane laugh. "It had nothing to do with Divination. I merely used the process of elimination."

"Pray, do explain." Remus wriggled his eyebrows, making her laugh even harder.

"Well," Jane began, "the Slytherins weren't too overjoyed upon seeing you, so you're certainly not one of them."

He inclined his head.

"You're certainly no Hufflepuff," she continued, "despite your mild demeanor. You could be a Ravenclaw, were it not for those mischievous sparks that keep jumping into your eyes. And you hinted at battles you fought – no, you're a Gryffindor."

He clapped in acknowledgement. Admiration shone in his eyes. "Well done, Jane," he exclaimed.

She shrugged. "It's nothing special. Just something I picked up over the years."

"I have a feeling that we will have some very interesting conversations over the school year," Remus said.

His gaze held hers, and Jane gulped. She had to be very careful. It would be so easy to fall for him. True, Remus Lupin was handsome, but it was his calm demeanor and kindness towards her that had touched her. No, she didn't want to fall for him, she couldn't. He loved Tonks and she loved him. Jane would not be able to live with herself if she hurt either of them. Besides, what she needed now was a friend, not a lover.

---

"I am pleased you took the time to meet with me this evening," Minerva McGonagall greeted Jane when she stepped into her office. "I hope you are not too weary."

"Well, I was exhausted when I arrived, Professor McGonagall, but the feast rejuvenated me somewhat."

"Good. Good." The Headmistress rubbed her hands in an attempt to hide her nervousness. She walked towards her desk, sat behind it and waved Jane closer.

Jane had only once been in the Headmaster's office. Thirteen years ago. The chamber looked pretty much the same, she thought. McGonagall apparently hadn't seen it fit to make any major changes just, yet. She sat on the chair the older woman indicated and looked expectantly at her. The professor drummed her long fingers onto the tabletop in an impatient tattoo. By all appearances she was buying time to compose herself. Jane shifted uncomfortably on the chair. Whatever she was going to be told would be quite unpleasant.

"Well…" McGonagall finally broke the awkward silence. "There is no easy way around this. I may as well start at the beginning. This is quite difficult for me, so I would appreciate it, if you could wait with your questions until I have finished."

Jane cocked an eyebrow. The formidable McGonagall found it difficult to express herself? This must really be bad.

"Of course, Headmistress."

"Very well, then." McGonagall took a deep breath and began. Her agitation only intensified her Scottish brogue. "Let me start by saying that I have received all the necessary documentation from the Ministry to legalize your return to our world. As promised you have been fully pardoned. Only a very select few know your true identity and only because of sheer necessity. For the last thirteen years you have built a new life for yourself as Jane Sinclair and I see no reason to change that. Is that acceptable to you?"

Jane met the older woman's gaze unwaveringly. "Yes. I have put the past behind me and want to keep it that way."

"Very good." McGonagall nodded her approval. "Now, I am certain that you have many questions as to your presence here and I must ask you to be patient for a little longer. At the moment know that your presence is not coincidental. Nor is it charity or a ploy to make amends. You are here for a number of reasons. For one, you, a pureblood, have had the unique experience to be thrust into the Muggle world without preparation of what to expect and, yet, you survived. Dumbledore thought this a vital addition to our current curriculum, especially since it could come to the point where we wizards may be forced to go into hiding … possibly among Muggles."

She met Jane's questioning gaze. "You may have already deduced from the goings on around here that we are in a very precarious situation." She sighed. "Yes, Vol-, erm, the Dark Lord has returned and he is relentless in his quest for power. We have been fighting him and his Death Eaters for over a year now, but he is gaining power. It doesn't look good for our side. Dumbledore's death was a particularly devastating blow for us…"

Jane watched in disbelief as the older woman's eyes began to water. She had never seen McGonagall lose her composure. The professor pulled out an embroidered handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.

"From what I understand," Minerva eventually plowed on, "you seem to play a pivotal role in the war against Vol-, the Dark Lord. Unfortunately, Dumbledore was the only one aware of the true importance of your involvement, and he took that knowledge to the grave. He has, however, left a number of letters and documents, which seem to hold the clue to the answer. I have them for your perusal. Maybe you can make more sense of them than I have."

McGonagall handed a considerable stack of papers to Jane. "There is also a letter from Dumbledore addressed to you. Maybe that will shed some light on the whole affair. I have taken the liberty to include various newspaper articles to bring you up-to-date regarding the most recent events. Furthermore, I have informed Miss Pince to make all Daily Prophet issues from the last thirteen years available to you. She has assured me that the library will be at your disposal whenever you wish. For now, this should get you an idea of what we are dealing with. Once you are caught up, we shall fill you in on all the pertinent details. Is that agreeable with you?"

Jane began to feel overwhelmed. That was a lot of homework, she thought. "Yes," she squeaked meekly.

"Good. Now, I realize that you haven't had enough time to actually devise a lesson plan. Our previous Muggle Studies teacher has thoughtfully supplied a previous course outline before leaving Hogwarts. I hope it will help you in designing your course and to plan your lessons. I would like to stress that basic living and survival skills should be on the top of your list, including non-magical self-defense."

Jane suppressed a yawn and covered it with a delicate cough.

"I realize you are exhausted, Miss Sinclair," McGonagall said sympathetically, "but please bear with me a little longer. I am almost done."

Jane nodded, praying that she wouldn't nod off.

"There are only two more items I wish to discuss with you. First, there is the fact that, bluntly speaking, you are currently without any financial means. From what I understand, your parents disinherited you after your, erm, banishment, but the new will was never notarized and you are the last of your line. By rights, your parents' estate and other assets are yours. However, they have been seized by the Ministry for, erm, safe-keeping. Before his death, Dumbledore had tried to secure your inheritance after your parents', erm, passing, but he was unsuccessful. You should see into that as soon as possible."

Jane stared at the older witch open-mouthed. Her parents were dead and she was rich? It took a while to sink in. After years of living like a gypsy, of living hand-to-mouth and with the constant worry about whether she had enough money to cover next month's rent, she would finally have what was rightfully hers. It was overwhelming.

"Until you have sorted your financial matters out, I have arranged for an advance on your salary to cover your most immediate needs, such as a new wand, appropriate clothes and other necessities."

"That is most generous, Headmistress."

"Not at all." McGonagall waved her off briskly. She became businesslike again. "It is my wish that you do this the first opportunity you get, so you may begin your own studies as soon as possible. Once it is convenient for you, please inform me, and I shall arrange for you to visit Diagon Alley. This brings me to the last item for this evening – your lessons. I have consulted with several of my colleagues, and we have worked out a tentative study plan for you. Miss Pince has supplied several textbooks for your perusal, so you may refresh your knowledge. We have also determined that most of your instruction shall take place outside of Hogwarts, simply because we think that it could damage your rapport with the students, should they find out that your magical abilities are somewhat, erm, lacking. Do you have any questions at this point?"

Jane thought for a moment, then shook her head. "You have answered most of my immediate questions. I do have many more, but I have a feeling that I may find most of my answers in here." She lifted the stack of papers from her lap. "Is there anything else you deem necessary I should know before I face Hogwarts' students?"

McGonagall hesitated briefly. "There will be gossip. I'm afraid it's unavoidable." She noticed Jane's alarmed expression. "Oh, not about you, Miss Sinclair, rest assured. It is about Professor Lupin."

"You mean the fact that he's a werewolf?"

McGonagall's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You already know?"

Jane nodded. "He told me over dinner."

"And you don't mind?"

"No, of course not."

"I am glad to hear that." McGonagall sounded truly relieved. "Needless to say, you are to discourage any idle or malicious gossip by our pupils."

"Certainly."

"There, erm, is one more thing. You might as well hear it now, so you are forewarned. It concerns Professor Snape."

"Professor Snape?" That was the last thing Jane expected. "I thought he no longer taught at Hogwarts?"

"Indeed, he does not. He, erm, left immediately following Dumbledore's death. You will read about it in the articles I gave you, and, no doubt, you will also hear about it around the school. You see, it was Severus Snape who was seen killing Dumbledore."

"No." Jane jerked erect in her chair, dropping the papers from her lap. She quickly fell to her knees to collect them. Snape had killed Dumbledore? True, he'd always been a disgustingly disagreeable man, but he'd also been very restrained and dispassionate. She simply couldn't see him commit cold-blooded murder. Well, she could but he would never be so stupid and careless to do it in front of witnesses. No, she couldn't believe it and told the Headmistress so.

"Yes, Miss Sinclair, I also had trouble believing the story. Unfortunately, the evidence against him is quite strong and irrefutable. He is a wanted man. Nonetheless, I will not have our pupils indulge in malicious defamation and gossip, no matter how guilty the man is. Am I making myself clear, Miss Sinclair?"

"Perfectly." Jane stood. "Well, if there is nothing else…"

"No, Miss Sinclair, you are dismissed."

Jane turned to leave, when McGonagall called her back.

"Miss Sinclair, I am very happy that you decided to return. Welcome home."


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